Food Stamp Program

> What Your Client Needs to Apply

Most states will accept a variety of IDs as valid, but your client must provide the following information to be eligible to receive food stamps:

• Identification (Refer to Helping Your Client Establish Documentation in General Tips section)
• Social Security number or proof that the client has applied for a Social Security number. To obtain a Social Security number or a replacement card, visit the Social Security Administration (Get this from the General Tips section)

	Eligibility Facts for People who are Homeless
	Work Requirements
	Work Requirement Exemptions
	Application Process
	Renewal Process
	Appeals Process

Eligibility Facts for People who are Homeless

Your clients who are homeless:

• May be able to get a $143 shelter deduction if paying to stay in a shelter
• Must provide an address where mail can be sent, but do not need to have a fixed residence
• That live in their car will not have their car counted as a resource
• May be able to use their food stamps at some soup kitchens and restaurants

Work Requirements

There may be work requirements your clients need to fulfill in order to receive food stamps. These requirements may vary in each state, so check with your state or local food stamp office to see if they apply.

With some exceptions, clients between the ages of 16 and 60 must:

• Register for work
• Accept suitable employment
• Take part in an employment and training program to which the food stamp office refers them

Your clients who fail to comply with these requirements may risk becoming ineligible for food stamps.

In addition, clients between the ages of 18 and 50 who do not have any dependent children can get food stamps only for three months in a 36-month period if they do not work or participate in a workfare or employment and training program other than a job search. This requirement is waived in some locations.

Work Requirement Exemptions

The following types of people are exempt from the food stamp work requirement:

• Persons under age 16 and over 60. Teenagers who are 16 or 17 and attending secondary school, or are not the head of household, or are enrolled in an employment and training program
• Persons responsible for the care of a dependent child under age 6 or an incapacitated person
• Persons enrolled in a residential drug addiction or alcohol rehabilitation program
• Persons found to be “unfit” for work
• Full-time students in a post-secondary educational program who are working 20 hours a week, or meeting other program requirements

Application Process

Your clients should find out if they are eligible for food stamps within 30 days of submitting their application. You should encourage your clients to call or visit the state or local food stamp office if they have not heard after 30 days.

Homeless applicants may be able to get food stamps in as little as seven days. For more information about Expedited Food Benefits go to the Food Stamps Tip section. Your clients can enroll for food stamps anytime during the month.

Some clients who receive Supplemental Security Income benefits may be able to apply for benefits at any Social Security office. The Social Security office helps them fill out the food stamp application and sends it to the state food stamp office. Otherwise, your clients must take or send the application to their local food stamp office.

For more information about the Food Stamp Program application process in your state, visit www.fns.usda.gov/fsp/contact_info/hotlines.htm.

Renewal Process

Once your clients are approved for food stamps, the benefits continue for a specific time. This specific timeframe is called a “certification period." Your clients receiving food stamps are certified for anywhere from one to 12 months, depending on the stability of their situation. The food stamp office sends a notice toward the end of the certification period that it is time to come in to reapply. The recertification notice can be sent to you if your client who is homeless does not have a mailing address and wants you to be his/her authorized representative.

Appeals Process

Your clients can ask for a fair hearing if they disagree with a decision the agency has made on their case. Hearing officials are required by law to review the facts of every case in a fair and objective manner. At a fair hearing, clients can explain to the hearing official why they disagree with the ruling of the food stamp office.